Have you ever stopped in the middle of a sentence to search your mind for the correct word? Drummed your fingers on the keyboard while staring at a word that just does not seem to fit? Heard yourself repeating the same word many times in one conversation or wished you were better at making witty comments for which good conversationalists are known?

Communication has been called a lost art. To learn this art, we must focus on the building blocks of communication: words. In this new feature, you will discover the real power of words—a power that can make you a more successful person.

The Lost Art

Without communication, society could not function. Not only is communication important, effective communication (when the desired effect of information exchange occurs) is paramount to our everyday lives.

The University of Colorado has researched and recorded much about conflict resolution and attests that a lack or loss of effective communication escalates conflicts, often to the point of violence. In an age when conversational skills are decreasing and violence is increasing, it is important to learn how to use words wisely.

The increased use of slang adds to the problem of ineffective communication. Each generation creates new words and shortens others.

Another evident problem in communication is the widespread use of filler words such as um, uh, er, ah, well, you know, right, like and okay. These words along with weak adjectives (sorta, kinda) are often used repeatedly and make the speaker sound unknowledgeable.

Why So Important?

Generally those around you speak or write without really thinking about the words they are using. When did you last find yourself carefully selecting words and thoughtfully framing a sentence? You may have been writing an essay or research paper. Perhaps you were explaining how a delicate situation unfolded. Usually people only stop and think before they speak and/or write when they have something important to express.

As ambassadors, we should always be mindful of the words we are using. Words affect our thoughts and behavior. By knowing and understanding a greater number of words, we are better able to express our emotions and actions. Words can have profound effects. The correct word choice can evoke human feelings (joy, sorrow, fear, courage), create strong impressions, and motivate, persuade, inspire and entertain.

Simply learning new words and changing the way you speak can change the type of person you are!

A poorly chosen word or an ill-constructed sentence can quickly diminish your effectiveness and lower people’s expectations of you. An inability to properly communicate will also lessen the value of your opinions and ideas.

Becoming a Word Master

Understand that simply learning the definitions of long words is not enough. The incorrect use of words that no one else understands will not make you a more successful person. A part of harnessing the real power of words is properly understanding words and learning how to use them meaningfully. This series will help you become more in tune with and aware of the words you hear, speak, read and write, and teach you how to use them effectively.

If you actively apply these vocabulary lessons, you will be on your way to becoming an effective communicator and successful person.

Now that you have read this feature, circle any words within it that you do not understand. Look them up in a dictionary and then re-read the sentence in which the words appear to better solidify their definitions in your mind.

Make this a habit with everything you read!